1. IAU Information Bulletin 104 on-line

updated information on the upcoming IAU XXVII General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro (see also below);

latest news on IYA2009 activities;

reminiscences of past IAU Presidents.

2. IAU XXVII Genaral Assembly, latest information

The Registration Server for the IAU XXVII General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), 3-14 August 2009, is still on-line on http://www.astronomy2009.com.br/index.html . To date 1747 participants have registered. We welcome further registrations.

NASL Astronomy Education Lunch Meeting, 11 August. Contact the Registration Desk at the Convention Center. Registration information will also be given in the GA daily newspaper Estrela d'Alva.

On visa issues for Brazil: The NOC urges all registered participants to verify at http://www.astronomy2009.com.br/visas.html whether they need a visa to enter Brazil. If this is the case, the participant needs to complete the application form immediately! US citizens should be aware that it might take more than one month to get the visa. For other citizens, it should usually take a few weeks or less. To obtain an official invitation letter for visa purposes, please go to http://www.fisica.ufmg.br/~iau2009/lettervisa.html and fill in the form.